“My Goal Is to Join MMA” – Rodtang Jitmuangnon Is Ready to Commit Fully to MMA After Muay Thai Grand Prix

Rodtang Jitmuangnon faced the absolute best in Demetrious Johnson for his brief outing in MMA rules. Though he lost in the MMA round at ONE X, it didn’t deter his confidence in making a move to MMA.

The 24-year-old has been undefeated in the promotion when it comes to Muay Thai rules and is the current ONE Flyweight Muay Thai champion. That said, in a recent interview, he teased an inevitable move to MMA.

The Jitmuangnon Gym standout said, “I didn’t want to wait because I still have my Muay Thai skills, and I still want to fight. That’s why I chose to join the World Grand Prix. But my goal is to join MMA. My plan is to finish this World Grand Prix and then fully join MMA.”

The world is aware of the Thai fighter’s ferocious Muay Thai skills. Even the MMA GOAT Demetrious Johnson tasted how it feels to stand across ‘The Iron Man’ in round one of their special rules match. However, ‘Mighty Mouse’ took the Muay Thai champion down and submitted him in the second round.

Also Read – “His Build Is Large” – Rodtang Jitmuangnon ‘Concerned’ of Jacob Smith’s ‘Heavy Weapons’ in Grand Prix Quarterfinals

While Rodtang is taking part in the flyweight Muay Thai Grand Prix, he believes his goal of competing in MMA is around the corner. That said, he has a tough challenge in the Englishman Jacob Smith at ONE 157.

Rodtang Jitmuangnon reflects on the second round against Demetrious Johnson

ONE Muay Thai Flyweight champion was in a disadvantageous position, perhaps for the first time in ONE Circle, when he was up against a twelve-time MMA World Champion in ‘Mighty Mouse.’

Speaking about the second round of their mixed rules fight, Rodtang said, “The main strategy in the second round is to survive.”

Rodtang pointed out that his inexperience in the MMA setting cost him the fight. He said, “He tricked me into, with strikes and get the takedown, and I tried to improve my position. I see some openings. But it is a trick from him and he get, moved on to gain a more advantageous position, getting to the rear-naked choke.” (via a translator)

Rodtang was up against a top-tier MMA fighter in his first outing under MMA rules inside the ONE Circle. Therefore, his performance at ONE X can’t be a baseline for what’s going to unfold in his future when he eventually makes a shift to MMA.

Also Read – “I’m Going to Be Competing Against Jiu-Jitsu in the Current Era” – Garry Tonon Fancies Tricky Grappling Contest Versus Tye Ruotolo